Synkinesis

Synkinesis

Some patients who have had Bell’s palsy or other reversible forms of facial nerve injury may go on to develop synkinesis. This is a condition that causes unwanted contractions of the muscles of the face during attempted movement.

Most commonly, patients will notice forceful eye closure when they attempt to smile, or other muscle spasms during routine facial movements. It is essentially a “faulty rewiring” of the facial nerve that occurs after injury and recovery. It can be very distressing to patients and may significantly impact emotional expression and facial function. It may even cause facial discomfort or pain.